Thor is an upcoming American superhero film based on the comic book of the same name appearing in Marvel Comics. The film will star Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Jaimie Alexander and Anthony Hopkins with Kenneth Branagh directing a script by Mark Protosevich, Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz and Don Payne.Thor will be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is scheduled to be released on May 6, 2011.The film is scheduled to be released in 3-D.

The project of a film adaptation of Thor was in development an held for several years before Marvel Studios signed Protosevich to write its script in 2006. Matthew Vaughn was to direct the film in late 2008 for a release in 2010. Branagh replaced Vaughn in late 2008, and the film's release was rescheduled into 2011.

Thor which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster, has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

It appears that a significant portion of the film will take place on Earth which counters some early reports indicating that the entire film will take place on Asgard with only the end on Earth. That of course, would be a waste of the talent of Natalie Portman so I am not surprised by this.

While on Earth, expect to meet some familiar faces and heroes including Agent Coulson from S.H.I.E.L.D Nick Fury and maybe a cameo by Tony Stark/Iron Man. If fans get their wishes, there’s still that rumor out there that Oscar-nominated Jeremy Renner could play Hawkeye who, according to the actor, would likely first appear in Thor. With the attention this actor has gotten in recent months, he would be an incredible addition to Marvel Studios’ line-up of onscreen heroes.

While keeping in mind what we know about Thor, our own Kofi Outlaw points out the possible downside in having some of the Marvel solo character movies spending time leading into The Avengers. Hopefully, and as we expect from Kenneth Branagh and co., this movie will act as a well-established and structured standalone epic that will work its own first and foremost, and as a sort of lead-in to the epic team up we all await.

That’s not all though; If you’re as excited as I am about the Kenneth Branagh production of Marvel’s God of Thunder, then check out this set report by writer/director Keri Collins who had the opportunity to shadow Branagh on set recently.